Jota Silva, Olympiacos' 27-year-old Portuguese winger, gave an interview to the club's official match programme ahead of Olympiacos' third qualifying round Champions League tie against NEC Nijmegen of the Netherlands, previewing his official debut for the Greek club.
Silva said he expected difficult matches against Nijmegen, as is normal at this stage of Champions League qualifying. He said the team needed to work hard, stay dynamic and strong both with and without the ball, and remain united to get through the tie.
Asked about his best position, having played both out wide and behind the striker, Silva said he felt comfortable anywhere on the pitch. He said the important thing was to understand what the coach wanted from him and to be ready to help the team.
Why he chose Olympiacos
Silva said choosing Olympiacos was an easy decision, calling it a huge club with a great history. He said that as soon as the proposal was presented to him, he wanted to join immediately and start working with the team, adding that Olympiacos' ambition to win titles and play in European competitions also drew him to the club.
On his goals for the season, Silva said the aim was always to win titles and do the best possible for the team. He said the immediate focus had to be the qualifying phase, which he called very important for the club, before going step by step and contributing with goals, assists and hard work.
New teammates and family news
Silva said his first impression of the squad was very good, describing the team as fantastic and saying he already felt part of the family. He said he had trained alongside Carmo during preseason the previous year and had faced some of his new teammates before.
Asked whether it was significant that his transfer to Olympiacos coincided with the birth of his son, Silva said the birth was the best moment of his life and that the timing could only mean the season would be a successful one, adding that everyone would work to make that happen.
